Begovic absence overshadows Potters win

24 August 2010 11:00

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Stoke secured a place in the third round of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 over Shrewsbury thanks to goals from Jon Walters and Tuncay.
However, the attention remained firmly on off-the-field matters as Potters goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, the subject of a recent enquiry from Chelsea, refused to take part in the game as he continues to be linked with a move away from the club.
Carlo Nash started instead but he was seldom troubled as Stoke took the match by the scruff of the neck in the first half when they scored twice without reply.
Walters opened the scoring in the 26th minute when he connected with Matthew Etherington's centre to send a glancing header beyond goalkeeper Chris Neal and open up his account for the Potters.
Etherington was the supplier again as City doubled their lead in the 37th minute, the winger's cross met by Tuncay who planted a header into the net.
Shrewsbury ensured a nervy finish when they pulled a goal back through Steven Leslie's 79th header, but Tony Pulis' side held on.